Ports urged to grasp ‘trusted broker’ role in data

Patrick Verhoeven, managing director of policy and strategy at the International Association of Ports and Harbors, has said that port authorities are best placed to take on that role and should be actively seeking out the right kind of people for data research, analysis and interpretation. They should also be investing in the right skills and education, he advised.

“Technology is a means to an end. The real essence here is smart use of data and that in the first place requires a change of mindset,” said Mr Verhoeven, adding that digitalisation of ports is a cultural rather than a technical challenge.

Referring to a Boston Consulting Group report on the elements of a digital culture, Mr Verhoeven urged ports to “look outside, not inside; choose delegation over control; encourage boldness over caution; undertake more action, less planning; and to value collaboration over individual effort”.